Programme Objectives

Building the capacity of different stakeholders on Internet governance processes by organizing both onsite and online awareness-raising activities.

Empowering these stakeholders to take the lead in pushing the Internet policy agenda in their countries and be engaged in the regional policy dialogue at the Arab Internet Governance Forum, then in the global discussion at the global IGF.

Enhanced legislation

on Internet policies in the MENA region

Raising awareness of stakeholders to influence the decision-making process and play an active role in promoting and safeguarding Internet freedom in local legislation.

Drafting Internet-related policies through a participatory approach that engages different stakeholders.

What do civil society activists from the MENA region say about Internet freedom?

As an Arab citizen, Internet freedom is very important because, unlike democratic societies, in the Arab region, we lack a space to express ourselves. The Internet also represents a platform that bridges the communication gap and facilitates interaction among different social segments and social media channels like Twitter or Facebook. –Jordan

The Internet has a significant value for users in general and for human rights activists and bloggers in particular. Its availability is a pressing matter since it proved to be the best way to air our opinions to the world. –Iraq

Access to the Internet is an inherent right, and I will stand against anyone who prevents me from having it. However, this right shouldn’t be used to offend other people, as moral values should be respected. –Iraq

Civil society should have space to express opinions and share perspectives on how Internet policies are drafted. –Egypt

As an Internet user from an Arab country, I believe the Internet is mostly a means of communication and a vector to develop knowledge and practical perspective on economic, social, and educational matters. –Tunis

Today, most of the economic activities evolve around the Internet. It helps create wealth and new job opportunities, and also provides a venue for people to improve and share their knowledge. –Iraq

Certainly, Internet access should be considered as a basic right for everyone. A right that is indivisible and indisputable. –Egypt

As an Arab citizen, Internet freedom is crucial because it helps people be part of the Internet society. Moreover, it has become an integral part of Arab citizens' everyday life. –Tunis

Honestly, the Internet brings a lot of values to my life. In the past, it was really difficult to find information or communicate with people in other countries. Now, to read a newspaper in order to know what’s happening around the world, you don’t have to go and buy newspaper or magazine from a kiosk anymore. –Libya

It goes without saying that Internet access is a human right. Having the right to access Internet clearly highlighted in countries' legislation provides a guarantee not to mess with it. –Lebanon

I think each country has a specific way of setting policies and strategies and dealing with people. However, since the Internet is a global network, it is quite challenging to control it. It is legitimate for a country to protect its sovereignty and citizens from external threats. On the other hand, each state Internet policy differs according to its own agenda. –Iran

The program focuses on three pillars

An adopted methodology of merging technology and policy with advocacy. This is done by preparing civic actors to take the lead in advocating for online human rights and Internet policy while working closely with other concerned stakeholders.